Bad light, rain stops play at Eden

Bad light stopped play minutes before tea and soon showers brought covers on to the square at the Eden Gardens as South Africa reached 115 for three on the fourth day of the second cricket Test between India and South Africa here on Wednesday.

Hashim Amla was batting at 45 and Ashwell Prince yet to open his account when play was halted 25 minutes before the tea break. More rain is forecast for the day.

The start of play was delayed by 93 minutes in the morning due to heavy overnight rains, slashing 13 overs from 90 Wednesday.

The match was to start at 18 minutes earlier than the scheduled to accommodate the five overs carried over from the third day Tuesday, but the wet outfield did not permit that.

Under heavy overcast conditions, the umpires Ian Gould and Steve Davies decided to start play at 10.30 am after two inspections, first at 9.30 am and then at 10.

The city was lashed by 15.5 mm of rain overnight, making the ground soggy.

The play has been abandoned for the day.The match will resume tomorrow at 0845 hours. 98 overs to be bowled